Favourite motorhomes of 2010

Bill Savidan - Coastal twin bed This RV is the standard against which I have compared this year’s motorhomes. First impressions: Practical appearance enhanced with a stunning paint job. However, the devil is in the details and they were excellent. Quality bodywork, barely perceptible hatch openings, and neatly aligned windows and door. Sizewise, it’s not too big to park at home, visit the supermarket or a friend’s place for an after-dinner sleepover, and it is nimble enough to traverse narrow beach access roads and navigate tight park over property gateways. Inside, it has all the elements I seek: A separate toilet and separate shower across the back with the vanity in between; twin beds; and a spacious kitchen bench. It has a roomy lounge area for six, where two people have room to stretch out without disturbing one another; and a pair of two-seater settees that face each other with two rotating cab seats, creating my perfect motorhome lounge. This one was on a Mercedes Benz. Now, if it had been on a Ford Transit…elusive perfection. Read our full review here. Jill Malcolm - Vanco pop-top Nearly swayed by the AutoTrail Exel 6.40G, I’ve decided to run with something more in my league in terms of price: The more modest Vanco pop-top built on a 2006 Toyota Hiace. I liked the simple layout and bright, modern colours and, of course, it had to be self-contained for me to even consider it. I think I could handle the Porta-potty OK and live with an outdoor shower, fine for just two, over a couple of weeks and most likely in the summer. I’d have to get used to not having much storage but then for shorter holidays it really doesn’t matter. The upside is that I could back, park and store it easily and it would also be fine as a round-town vehicle in between. It has all the essentials, is reasonably priced and the layout has been thoughtfully executed; so it’s likely to do the job for a wide range of people and situations. Read our full review here. David Linklater - Trail-lite Lowline As a relative newcomer to the world of motorhomes and caravans I've been wowed by a lot of sharp engineering and sheer luxury in the industry this year. But the highlight for 2010? It's something rather simple but astonishingly well executed: Trail-lite's new Ducato-based lowline model. By switching to the Fiat chassis, Trail-lite has been able to add a new model to its entry level Basecamp series that rides much lower than its existing Ford/Mercedes-Benz vehicles and is around 200kg lighter – with consequent benefits for both driving dynamics and occupant access. Dynamics and ease-of-use are half the equation. The rest comes from Trail-lite's superb attention to detail and outstanding interior design/build quality. The classy decor comes courtesy of the company's very own interior designer, Victoria Scott, with inspiration from modern kitchens and upmarket hotels. With that kind of ambience and advanced construction methods (foam panels within the walls, aluminium extrusions for the furniture), the Ducato Basecamp lowline is a winner. Read our full review here. Steve Vermeulen - Burstner Aero Van As well laid-out and practical as they may be, some motorhomes just don’t do themselves any favours in the exterior styling department. I wish more of them looked like the Burstner Aerovan. For a start, it’s a cool Navy blue, but more importantly it has been developed in a wind tunnel so it’s sleek. The aerodynamic design looks stunning and significantly reduces wind noise while improving fuel economy. Additionally, the powerful Sprinter provides passenger car-rivalling acceleration. Contemporary German design carries through inside with cream leather and an attractive blend of timber and neutral hues. The bathroom, too, with a palette of urban metallics and a beautiful curvy design, is unlike anything else I’ve tested. Of course looks are one thing, the Aero Van tops it off with a fantastic practicality proposition, too, inside the handy L-cove kitchen provides a real open plan feel to the living quarters and there’s a massive rear compartment you can access from inside. Consider it our industry’s European sports car. Read our full review here.